List of Top 5 World Heritage Sites in India
Do you know that India has 38 heritage sites approved by UNESCO? These heritage sites are a delight to your eyes and open up your mind to the culture and history of the country.
India has been home to some of the earliest civilizations of the world. Whenever we show history its name appears in gold. It has seen some strongly established states, greatest rulers, spiritual gurus, cultures, etc., leaving behind their unique impressions and rich heritage.
Here is a list of top 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India:
Taj Mahal, Agra
Red Fort, Agra
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
1. Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. Along with being a World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is 'one of the seven wonders of the world'.
It is a heritage site and one of the seven wonders of the world. Built-in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal Empire for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is a popular tourist destination and the most visited place in the country. The architectural beauty of the monument is the main attraction of this site.
2. Red Fort, Agra
Agra Fort was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. It is located just 2.5 km from the popular Taj Mahal in the Mughal city of Agra.
The fort was built by Akbar on the banks of the Yamuna during 1565–73. It is surrounded by a 2.4 km long, 21-meter high wall of red sandstone. It has two large decorative gates, decorated with beautiful patterns with white marble inlay and colored mirrors. These patterns represent living beings, which are not found in any other Islamic building in India.
3. Jantar Mantar, Jaipur
Jantar Mantar was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2010. The Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical instruments built in Jaipur city of Rajasthan. The Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built in 18th century Rajasthan. It is an astronomical observatory that was created by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh of Rajasthan in 1738 CE.
The observatory consists of tools that were used to calculate celestial coordinate systems, the horizon-zenith local network, the equatorial system, and the ecliptic system.
4. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Fatehpur Sikri was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1986. Fatehpur Sikri was the former capital of the Mughal dynasty before being abandoned by Akbar due to the complete failure of the water supply system.
He built a great many monuments, palaces, and structures in this city and transferred his entire reign to this region. The mosque of this region holds a door, which was made of wood from Australia. This wood is said to sink in water when immersed.
It also contained the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-aam. Interior to the Buland Darwaza lies the Tomb of Salim Chishti. All these Mughal buildings are notable Indian heritage sites.
5. Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
Ajanta caves were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. Located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, these caves date back to 2 century BC. These Buddhist caves are considered to be one of the most outstanding artistic activities performed in olden times.
The caves are very built in two different phases. First of Satavahana Period under the patronage of the Satavahana Dynasty (230BCE-220CE). Second, the caves of the Vakataka Period under the reign of Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka Dynasty.
The primitive tools used by the monks to build such marvels are at display in the caves. Today, you can find 31 rock-cut monuments, painting, sculptures and much more, which bring more light to the classical artwork of Indians.